# Ep 49. Mattering and the Science of Feeling Seen, Heard, and Needed with Jennifer Wallace

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/success-reimagined-with-amna-shabbir-md-7213595/ep-49-mattering-and-the-science-of-feeling-seen-heard-and-needed-with-jennifer-wallace
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/success-reimagined-with-amna-shabbir-md-7213595/ep-49-mattering-and-the-science-of-feeling-seen-heard-and-needed-with-jennifer-wallace.md
Podcast: [Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir MD](https://stenobird.com/podcast/success-reimagined-with-amna-shabbir-md-7213595)
Published: 2026-01-26T00:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/28ba57ca
Audio file: https://media.transistor.fm/28ba57ca/b8860959.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/success-reimagined-with-amna-shabbir-md-7213595/episodes/ep-49-mattering-and-the-science-of-feeling-seen-heard-and-needed-with-jennifer-wallace
Duration seconds: 3201

## Resource

This episode is a conversation from a live event hosted by Dr. Amna Shabbir and special guest Jennifer Wallace , New York Times bestselling author of Never Enough , to explore the science of Mattering and why it is a fundamental human need. Drawing from her upcoming book, Jennifer explains how mattering goes beyond belonging, shaping our sense of value, purpose, resilience, and mental health, particularly for high-achieving women. The conversation unpacks the hidden cost of “mattering too much,” where over-reliance without reciprocity leads to burnout, and introduces practical frameworks for restoring balance. Through research, real-world stories, and tangible practices, this episode offers a powerful reframe on achievement, connection, and wellbeing, reminding listeners that true fulfillment is built through feeling seen, valued, and able to add value to others. Episode Takeaways Mattering is a core human need, not a “nice to have.” Belonging is not the same as mattering. High-achieving women often struggle with “mattering too much.” Small moments create the deepest sense of mattering. Reclaiming mattering restores joy, resilience, and purpose. About Our Guest: Jennifer Wallace is an award-winning journalist and the author of Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—And What We Can Do About It . For the past seven years, she has been deeply immersed in the science of mattering and how it shapes our well-being, protects against burnout, and strengthens connection at every stage of life. Her forthcoming book, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose (Penguin Random House, Jan. 2026), explores how to build lives rooted in intrinsic worth rather than performance. Jennifer speaks nationally on mental health, achievement culture, and how we…

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## Transcript

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